#Japan #Tokyo #Digital Agency #Public Opinion #Administrative Orders

Inviting Public Feedback: Amendments to Administrative Orders by the Digital Agency

The Digital Agency, tasked with spearheading the formation of a digital society, is actively pursuing a bold digital transformation (DX) initiative. This objective aims to establish a robust infrastructure for both private and public sectors in the digital era. To support this vision, the agency is now inviting the public to submit their opinions regarding the proposed amendments to specific administrative orders, which are essential for the use of personal identification numbers in administrative procedures.

Background and Purpose

The Digital Agency, following the legislation established by the Act on the Use of Numbers to Identify a Specific Individual in Administrative Procedures (Act No. 27 of 2013), is reviewing the necessary regulations governing the scope of personal number utilization. The agency acknowledges the importance of public involvement in this process, which is why it has launched a public opinion solicitation initiative. This outreach aims to gather a diverse range of perspectives from citizens to ensure that the revisions reflect public interests and facilitate effective administrative procedures.

Target of Public Feedback

The public is invited to provide input on the proposed amendments to the orders established under the aforementioned law, which specifically deal with the usage of personal identification numbers. The orders that are subject to review include:

• - Amendments to the order that sets forth the governmental duties regulated under the law.
• - Changes to the order defining quasi-legal duties and the individuals responsible for processing these tasks, as stipulated in Article 9, Paragraph 1 of the law.

How to Obtain Relevant Materials

Individuals wishing to contribute can access detailed documentation regarding these proposed amendments through the e-Gov website, which serves as a comprehensive portal for the electronic government interface. This includes access to the information pertaining to the public opinion solicitation on the amendments of the execution order regarding personal identification number utilization.

Submission Process

To submit opinions, participants should utilize the designated feedback form available on the e-Gov platform. Submissions must include:

• - Postal code, name, and address (if representing a corporation or organization, please include the organization's name, the representative's name, and the address of the main office).
• - Contact information (phone number or email address).

It is essential to submit opinions in Japanese by the designated deadline. As the deadline approaches, access to the site may become crowded, potentially causing temporary connectivity issues, so early submission is advisable. Please note that submissions made after the official deadline will not be accepted, except in the event of clear, substantial system failures on the e-Gov side.

Feedback Submission Timeline

The window for submissions will open on December 12, 2025, and will close on January 15, 2026.

Additional Information

Opinions collected during this period will not only be published on the e-Gov portal but also made available for review within the Digital Agency's common social functions group. Personal details such as name (for organizations, the organization’s name and representative’s name only), address, phone number, and email provided will be used strictly for communication and verification purposes in case of unclear submissions. There may be times when submitted opinions are publicized with the name of the contributor (for organizations, their name and representative’s name only). Individuals who prefer to remain anonymous must indicate this wish explicitly in their submission.

The agency will not provide direct responses to individual opinions. However, feedback received post deadline, or related to matters beyond the scope of the proposed amendments, will not be considered. Furthermore, it is anticipated that during the announcement of results, submitted opinions may be summarized or organized for public viewing, facilitating understanding of public sentiment.

In instances where publication could infringe upon third-party rights or under other justifiable circumstances, submissions may be entirely or partially excluded from public disclosure.

Conclusion

Engagement with the public is a critical component of shaping the administrative landscape in Japan's digital age. The Digital Agency encourages everyone to contribute their thoughts and be a part of this transformative journey towards a more connected and efficient digital society.

Your voice matters—make it heard!